Overview of soybean cultivation and productivity in Bananal/Cantão Island Protected Area, Tocantins: harvests 2008/2009 to 2015/2016

Abstract

The Bananal/Cantao Island Protected Area (APA) is the largest Protected Area in Tocantins State and is the second largest soybean producing region in the Tocantins, establishing a relationship of economic, social and environmental interests that are often conflicting. This article presents the evolution and the main factors that involve the soybean crop in APA. By means of bibliographical researches, field visits and interviews with the soybean farmers of the APA, it was demonstrated the growth of more than 1,700% of the areas planted with soybeans over a period of 8 years, in which there was significant deforestation in the region. It has also been identified that cultivation takes place in large property, encouraged by the climate and low land prices, and the lack of skilled labor is the main difficulty encountered by soy farmers. It was also identified the non-compliance of environmental legislation by local producers.